September 10, 2025

By Mary Beth Bracy, consecrated virgin
Contributing Writer

The annual United States Association of Consecrated Virgins (USACV) took place from June 27 – July 1 in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. The convocation opened on the Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus with Holy Mass at the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus in nearby Knoxville. Mass was celebrated by Bishop Mark Beckman of Knoxville and concelebrated by Bishop Earl Boyea of Lansing, moderator of the USACV.

In his homily, Bishop Beckman spoke of how the Holy Spirit pours love into our hearts and our need to receive God’s tenderness in order to give it to others. Bishop Boyea later gave a talk to consecrated virgins on the Didache and Patrology. He spoke of how the prophets, Old Testament writers, and early Church leaders underscore the need for Christians to make a choice to follow the Lord’s path to find rest for themselves. “Each day is the time to make the decision,” Bishop Boyea emphasized, “Exemplify what you are called to live.”

The theme of the convocation was “The Interior Castle with St. Teresa of Jesus,” highlighting each of the seven mansions from her mystical vision in the classic work of this great doctor of the Church and Carmelite reformer. It was presented by Father David Whiteside of the Diocese of Peoria, who is also chaplain for the USACV.

Father Whiteside explained that what began as St. Teresa’s vocation of logic turned into a love affair; she struggled in prayer for 18 years as a nun until she surrendered herself to the Lord. St. Teresa details the beginning of the journey of the soul to God and the steps to take to open one’s heart to hear and understand God’s voice. She includes practical advice on our “line of defense” and overcoming temptations. Father broke these open for us and guided us through the stages of prayer, culminating in the mystical marriage, with several examples.

From growth in prayer and virtue, especially in setting aside time for daily mental prayer – which St. Teresa describes as giving the Lord the loving attention of our heart in secret – we grow in union with God, explained Father Whiteside. We also learned about three types of trials that St. Teresa highlights and ways to remain faithful to God and progress in prayer in the midst of each, whether through the loss of wealth and security; humiliation; or difficulties with health and physical pain.

In addition to listening to daily talks, consecrated virgins participated in Holy Mass, Eucharistic adoration, chanting the Liturgy of the Hours and a variety of community activities from dinners and a talent show to hiking in the Smoky Mountains, chasing waterfalls and encountering real-live bears.

The talent show showcased gifts of consecrated virgins, including poetry by Madeleine Troppe (a math teacher from the Diocese of Pittsburgh), a hymn composition by Claire Halbur (a choir director in the Diocese of Phoenix), sign language by Karen Hund (retired director of religious education and youth minister, Diocese of Erie), and musical acts with singing and instruments by Mary Kelly (a professional violinist and music teacher (Diocese of Little Rock), Francesca Riddick (a retired special education Teacher, Diocese of Joliet), and Miara Cash (a youth minister, Diocese of Phoenix); trivia by Lauren Gault (the program coordinator for the Office of the Diaconate in the Diocese of Pittsburgh); a powerful story sprinkled with humor by Virginia “Ginny” Meyer (a retired dance teacher from the Archdiocese of Chicago); and an inspirational true story by Adrienne Luedeking (an aspirant from the Diocese of Nashville). One consecrated virgin, Elma Espinoza (a caregiver and speaker, Diocese of Fresno), shared her costume and jewelry designs, which she recently had the opportunity to wear on the set of season six of “The Chosen” from August 11 to 13 as a background extra.

It was a blessing to spend time with other consecrated virgins from across the country and even one who attended from El Salvador; in addition to informally sharing our stories and ministries, we enjoyed many laughs and adventures. On the optional day trip, a group of other consecrated virgins and I took a tram up the Smoky Mountains to see the breathtaking view and then went white-water rafting. Along with the worship experiences and inspiring talks, this was one of the highlights for me.

It struck me that white-water rafting should be mandatory preparation for any vocation, whether marriage, priestly or consecrated. First, you have to remember to listen to your guide and not start paddling until you’re instructed to do so, even when the water becomes wavy and you’re worried about staying afloat. And everyone on the boat needs to paddle in unison, if they aren’t going to go overboard. Analogously, Jesus asks us to trust in Him fully and let Him be our guide. By totally abandoning ourselves to Christ, we learn when to be still and when to fight. Additionally, He leads us in working with others in our community and helping each other on our journey to heaven.

Whether praying with consecrated virgins who were struggling with health difficulties or contemplating job changes or sharing the enthusiasm of those who are helping form other candidates preparing to be consecrated in their dioceses, there was an atmosphere of great joy in our common sisterhood and love for our Divine Bridegroom.

We were grateful for the opportunity to pray together for our bishops, priests, dioceses and all of the sick and suffering who asked for our prayers. Drawing from St. Teresa’s image of the soul growing and resting like a caterpillar in the cocoon of Christ, it was a wonderful experience of being still while we await our transformation into butterflies.